The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) has announced that the last fully funded month for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit will be April 2024. Without additional Congressional funding, the ACP will only be able to provide a partial reimbursement for May 2024. ACP providers have the option to claim and pass on the partial reimbursement amount to enrolled households. After May 2024, the ACP will no longer support any benefits to enrolled households. The Bureau has also: (1) provided guidance on the May 2024 partial reimbursement month; (2) reminded participating providers of the notices that they are required to send to ACP households; and (3) released guidance on the consumer protections for ACP households during the wind-down of the ACP.
In a letter to Congress, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel urged immediate action before the ACP runs out of funding. A bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives have introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, which, if adopted, would provide an additional $7 billion for the ACP.
